Effective January 5, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security will announce that an extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for Syrian nationals physically present in the United States is warranted arising from the extraordinary conditions continuing in Syria. Notably, the prior period of designation for TPS required residence in the United States from June 17, 2013 and physical presence in the United States since October 1, 2013. The ongoing Civil War that prompted the prior 2012 and 2013 TPS designation has not only persisted, but has worsened posing a serious threat to the personal safety of Syrian nationals if they were required to return to their country.
“Redesignation” allows new applications for TPS from Syrian nationals who meet the eligibility criteria. Specifically, in order to demonstrate eligibility applicants must demonstrate that they are nationals of Syria who have been residing in the US during the requisite period and the following criteria DO NOT apply:
- Have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States;
- Are found inadmissible as an immigrant under applicable grounds in INA section 212(a), including non-waivable criminal and security-related grounds;
- Are subject to any of the mandatory bars to asylum. These include, but are not limited to, participating in the persecution of another individual or engaging in or inciting terrorist activity;
Redesignation of TPS for nationals of Syria is a key humanitarian action taken by DHS to prevent such Syrians presently in the US from having to return to the war-torn country. If you or a loved one need more information about the TPS redesignation for Syrians or wish to find out about Syrian Asylum please click or call 1-800-659-7142 to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.
